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Published: February 16th 2007
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Mexico1
At the airport Saturday we took a bus to Cholula, an old religious city near Puebla. We didn’t have much time at all so the only place we visited was what looks like a large hill with a big orange Spanish church on top. In reality, however, the hill is the largest pyramid in the world, but in order to excavate it they had to built tunnels over the pyramid and grass grew over it so now it looks like a hill. We took a tour through the tunnels and saw the ruins on the other side of the pyramid. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go inside the church.
After Cholula we had to hurry to check out of our hotel already and take the 4 hour bus ride to Oaxaca. When we arrived we were all extremely nervous and excited to meet our host families. Most of us didn’t feel ready, including me! My host mom/the senora, Maria Antonieta, arrived at the Instituto and drove me to my new home. I was scared to death, but I was relieved to arrive at a nice home with a nice family. In addition to Maria Antonieta, there is the father, Carlos, and the
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Bye Mom! cook/maid, who I feel sorry for because she makes delicious meals and then stands in the corner of the kitchen between the fridge and the counter waiting for us to finish eating and watching telenovelas on the tv. Their 17-year-old grandson Alejandro lives with them too, but I don't see much of him. Anyway, my host parents have several children who are grown, two of which are in college and come home for the breaks. One daughter is studying to become a veterinarian, so they have two cats which are already my amigos. One gato especially likes me and constantly wants my attention and lays on my things. Another daughter, Micha, lives nearby and has a 3-year-old, Diego, and a 2-month-old baby girl, Ana Sofia. I met her and her family Sunday. Diego is adorable although it’s a little discouraging when a 3-year-old can speak Spanish better than me! Anyway, Micha is opened a cute clothing boutique just down the street on Tuesday. My family is also hosting another American student who has been here for several months and is taking a vacation until the end of this February. The family owns a store downstairs with clothes and various other
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The view from the terrace of our hotel in Mexico City things. The house is nice for Oaxaca and very large, including my bedroom! I have my own room and bathroom on the second floor. The floorplan is very unique. I haven’t seen any cockroaches yet which is a huge relief, but a woman cleans the house ever couple of days. Overall, things are going well though sometimes I struggle with the language, especially when I’m tired! Everyone is very understanding however, and are very impressed with my Spanish and told me that I don’t have an American accent! I was very pleased.
Monday was our first day of classes. My house is on the way to the school for several people in my group, so it’s easy for us to walk together. The traffic is crazy and one of these days I'm going to lose a leg from getting hit by a car. The streets seem fairly safe but being American girls I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking alone at night. Anyway, the first day we had class with Prof. Ticas this morning (Mexican Identity and Culture) followed by Spanish placement exams and an orientation. We then had a break for lunch and returned for 2 hours of Spanish class.
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My first tequila shot! Somehow I did well on the exam because I’m in the advanced Spanish class. I was worried but I really like the teacher and it's going well. We only have the class for 6 weeks and then we’ll have intercambio and culture workshops (much more fun!). Everyone at the institute is so nice! It is very beautiful too, with gardens everywhere. It’s very relaxing. Our schedule is going to be very full once we start community service, so I don't know how often I'll make it to an internet cafe. After spring break we have a cultural class (like salsa dancing, cooking, art, etc.) instead of Spanish, so that will be fun! Well, I have much more to say but I need to pick up my laundry soon so I'd better wrap this up. I miss everyone terribly! Besos y abrazos!
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Mom
non-member comment
Wow - a tequila shot?
Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. I'm so happy you like your host family - and the fact they have two cats is perfect - just like home, well, a little like home anyway. Glad you like the school and professors. Take care and stay safe. Love you, Mom